Oxycodone mixed with Acetaminophen is a highly effective pain medication. It has a long history of being used incorrectly and abused. Crushing and snorting this oblong white pill can cause long lasting addiction which is very difficult to break.

Oxycodone/Acetaminophen should only be used under direct medical supervision. The intent of this article is to give more information about the indications, actions, adverse reactions and contraindication of this medication as well as important patient teaching. (1)

Image 1: The specific white pill with the dosage of Acetaminophen/oxycodone hydrochloride 325 mg / 5 mg has a ul on one side and a 15 on the other. (1, 3)

Photo Source : www.drugs.com

Brand names:

Oxycodone hydrochloride/Acetaminophen is the generic name for this medication. It has various brand names such as:

Endocet

Magnacet

Roxicet

Tylox

Oxycet

Percocet

Roxilox (1, 5)

Indications of U15 pill

This medication is usually prescribed for pain considered as moderate to extreme. On a pain scale of 1-10, this would be pain rated between 5-10.(1)

U15 pill

Picture 2 : The specific beige pill with the dosage of Acetaminophen/oxycodone hydrochloride 325 mg / 5 mg has a ul on one side and a 15 on the other.
Image Source : www.drugs.com

Action of U15 pill

The central nervous system has receptors which when triggered alert the brain that there is a pain in the body. This medication binds to the opiate receptors altering the response to pain.

Although this medication is a strong pain reliever studies have shown that over the counter nonsteroidal analgesics may work just as well to relieve pain. (1, 3, 4)

Function in the body/ pharmacokinetics:

The absorption of oxycodone/acetaminophen is done in the digestive tract. It is then distributed throughout the body through the blood. It is easily distributed and even passes through the placenta and breast milk. After about 2-3 hours it begins to be metabolized by the liver.

Although it begins to be metabolized by the liver in 2-3 hours the effect of pain relief lasts up to 6 hours. If the tablet is a controlled release then the effect can last up to 12 hours. (1, 3, 6)

Route and dosages:

There are various representations of this combination drug. Here is a noncomprehensive list of the different presentations of Endocet, Percocet, Oxycet, and Roxicet.

2.5mg oxycodone with 325 mg acetaminophen (U15 pill)

2.5mg oxycodone with 400mg acetaminophen

5mg oxycodone with 325mg acetaminophen

5mg oxycodone with 400 mg acetaminophen

7.5 mg oxycodone with 500mg acetaminophen

10 mg oxycodone with 325 mg acetaminophen

10mg oxycodone with 400mg acetaminophen

10mg oxycodone with 650mg acetaminophen(1)

Below are the various forms and brands of the drug mix oxycodone with acetaminophen.

These images show only a select few presentations of oxycodone/acetaminophen. The idea is to show you that there are many different presentations and not only the U15 pill that commonly seen.

Be sure to only take medications prescribed to you because it is very easy to confuse the looks of each type of pill. Medications should always be stored in their original container in order to prevent confusion. (1)

Photo Source : www.opiateaddictionresource.com
Figure 3 : This image shows the various dosages and presentations of Percocet which is made by the Endo Pharmaceutical company.

Image 4 : This image shows the various presentations of Magnacet which is made by Malinckrodt.
PhotoSource : www.opiateaddictionresource.com

Picture 5 : This image shows the different presentations of generic oxycodone/acetaminophen made by the Endo Pharmaceutical company.

Patients who suffer the following diagnosis or issues should not take this medication:

If pregnant or breastfeeding

Hypersensitivity to oxycodone

Intolerance or hypersensitivity to alcohol or bisulfites.

Head trauma

Increased intracranial pressure for any other reason

Hepatic, renal or pulmonary disease

Adrenal or thyroid insufficiency

Alcoholism

Debilitated or geriatric patients

Abdominal pain

Prostatic hyperplasia

Aside from these issues, there may be drug reactions that may occur in patients who are taking the following medications:

MAO inhibitors- reactions can be unpredictable

Antihistamines

Hypnotics or sedatives

Opioid analgesics

Nalbuphine

Buprenorphine

Kava-kava

Valerian

chamomile(1, 3, 6)

Important information to be aware of and special considerations while taking this medication.

Be sure you are taking the current dosage. Observe that the U15 pill is only one of many doses of this medication.

Keep track of your pain. Think about the best way to describe the type of pain you are having. Where it is located and the intensity. The 1-10 pain scale is a great way to keep track of the intensity of your pain.

Use of this medication for long periods of time may cause psychological or physical addiction.

Pay close attention to your bowel function by keeping track of daily bowel movements. Noting the consistency and color of your bowel movements may also be necessary.

Be aware that overdose can cause death.

Be sure not to confuse this medication with other of similar names for example oxycodone with oxycontin or Percocet with Percodan.

If your prescription is a regular dosage rather than as needed be sure to take the medication at the times indicated by your doctor to get the best coverage.

Always take this medication with food in order to decrease digestive issues.

If your prescription is a controlled release tablet do not crush it! Be sure to always take it whole.

Be aware that this medication can cause you to be drowsy or decrease your motor functions. Avoid or use great caution when driving or operating heavy equipment.(1, 3)

Common side effects or reactions

As with any medication, this painkiller does not come without uncomfortable or irritating side effects. Here is a list of the most commonly reported side effects.

Confusion

Sedation

Dizziness

Euphoria

Blurred vision

Floating feeling

Double vision

Constipation

Dry mouth

Nausea

Vomiting

Sweating or flushing(1, 3, 6)

How to recognize and what to do in the case of an overdose of U15 pill :

Signs and Symptoms: pinpoint pupils, loss of consciousness and depression of respirations.

Treatment: Call 911 then start with first aid and CPR when needed. Medical personal will use oxygen, vosopressors, and IV fluids. (7)

This medication should only be taken when you have a prescription and under direct medical supervision. (1,3, 6)